Stalled Flights? Birds of the Andal Aerodrome
Saevus|March - May 2017

An area in and around the aerodrome is a haven for wildlife and flight ground for birds. But will this private aerodrome make space for the diverse fauna that exists around it? Explore the magnificent avifauna with the author as he goes birding in and around the airstrip in Bengal.

Amar Kumar Nayak
Stalled Flights? Birds of the Andal Aerodrome
Andal earned a couple of brownie points when it placed its first step in the global market with a Greenfield airport that was inaugurated in May 2015 named after the rebel poet in Bengal, Kazi Nazrul Islam. This aerodrome holds the promise to connect the industrial centers of West Bengal, an important link across the urban conglomeration of Asansol-Durgapur-Dhanbad. However the massive plans of putting this nondescript town on the industrial map of India through the construction of an aerotropolis will invariably leave a dent in the biodiversity trove that Andal has to offer.

A CHIP OF THE HISTORY

This airstrip of more than 1500 acres was constructed by the East India Company and was the prime ground for defense related activities during the World War II. Post-Independence the airstrip was used as landing site by the Indian Air Force. Other than the farmers from the adjoining villages of Tamla, Dhubchururia and Gram Andal whom used the land for cultivation, much of the areas around the aerodrome remained uninhabited. Being situated on the river basins of the mighty Damodar and Ajay, it flourished not just in terms of agriculture but biodiversity as well, thus making Andal a treasure trove for photographers and conservationists.

ANDAL AERODROME: A BIRDER’S EDEN

Esta historia es de la edición March - May 2017 de Saevus.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición March - May 2017 de Saevus.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE SAEVUSVer todo
Staying ALIVE!
Saevus

Staying ALIVE!

The importance of getting to the root causes of conflict with wildlife, is essential. Its mitigation will guarantee the very survival of all species.

time-read
8 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Frames from the WILD
Saevus

Frames from the WILD

A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!

time-read
3 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
WAKE UP!
Saevus

WAKE UP!

A frightening thought a world without wildlife, mornings without birdsong, and all that we take for granted! We must realise the dangers threatening the beauteous green world and its inhabitants around us!

time-read
4 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Dolphin DILEMMA!
Saevus

Dolphin DILEMMA!

A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.

time-read
3 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Gecko Quest!
Saevus

Gecko Quest!

The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.

time-read
2 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Endangered EXOTICA!
Saevus

Endangered EXOTICA!

The author takes us on an exotic ride into the forests of Malaysia, allowing us glimpses of the beauties of its wildlife!

time-read
3 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Mellifluous Magpie!
Saevus

Mellifluous Magpie!

Immerse yourselves in the world of the musical and glorious Magpie Robin! The authors help acquaint us with this beautiful bird.

time-read
10+ minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Think Different!
Saevus

Think Different!

The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.

time-read
4 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Take Heed!
Saevus

Take Heed!

The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.

time-read
6 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Close Encounters!
Saevus

Close Encounters!

The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,

time-read
4 minutos  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24